President Barack Obama’s speech in Egypt next week will need to balance strategic and diplomatic considerations with a clear commitment to democratic reform in the region, writes J. Scott Carpenter. But Obama is likely, perhaps even compelled, to prioritize economic and security concerns over democracy promotion, writes William Galston, a board member of the National Endowment for Democracy. ”

President Barack Obama’s speech in Egypt next week will need to balance strategic and diplomatic considerations with a clear commitment to democratic reform in the region, writes J. Scott Carpenter. But Obama is likely, perhaps even compelled, to prioritize economic and security concerns over democracy promotion, writes William Galston, a board member of the National Endowment for Democracy. ”

The U.S. needs to support relatively moderate states like Egypt and Jordan to counter rejectionist forces like Iran, Syria and Hezbollah, says Carpenter, director of the Washington Institute’s Project Fikra. But the speech must also must include “a challenge to Egypt and governments across the region to create more open, democratic, and therefore, resilient societies.”

“Insisting that Middle East governments do more to protect their citizens’ civil and political rights will put him squarely on the side of the people,” he suggests.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday insisted that “it is in Egypt’s interest to move more toward democracy and to exhibit more respect for human rights.”

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit met Clinton earlier this week and he welcomed the shift in rhetoric, describing the new administration as “very much different” from its predecessor on issues like democracy and human rights.

But, meeting with Egyptian democracy activists, Clinton emphasized the U.S. commitment to promoting democracy in the region. “We’ve spent, as you know, many billions of dollars over the last years promoting NGOs, promoting democracy, good governance, rule of law,” she said.

She placed particular stress on economic opportunity, out of which “comes confidence, comes a recognition that people can chart their own future.”

Galston believes economic and security considerations will come first in Obama’s address. “Given the gravity and urgency of the problems in these areas, the administration’s stance is understandable, perhaps even inevitable,” he contends.

He suggests looking for a few important hints at what kind of democracy strategy might emerge:

Consistent with the overall case he presents, will the president discuss democracy and human rights during his formal address to the Muslim world?

Will he also bring up these concerns during private meetings with President Mubarak, and if he does, will his entourage take steps to publicize this fact?

Will he insist on the right of the United States to fund whatever Egyptian groups it chooses, whether or not the Egyptian government has officially recognized and certified them?

If President Obama does these things, his administration can credibly claim to have put in place a democracy and human rights strategy that may well prove more effective than his predecessor’s blunt confrontation with the status quo.

One response to “Obama’s speech in Egypt - spot the democracy indicators”

As all people know, almost all Muslim World is ruled by autocrats. It’s also corrupt and mismanaged. The best mix for the spread of the forces hostile to any real reform agenda. The Peoples of the Muslim World are sick and tired of these ill regimes.Never an American president was in the past so awaited in the region than is the President Barack Hussein Obama today. He is warmely and sincerely welcome (the same thing for the great Michelle and kids).Contrary to what think some conservative commentators in Washington, D.C., we Muslims want to see Obama saying publicly in his speech that his administration will be interested (not only to economic and security issues but also) to democracy and human rights in the Muslim World. It’s very important for the Muslim liberals and the peoples of the region to hear that America still committed itself to the democratic agenda. Because the real protection of the security and the interests of the U.S. and the Muslims are the democratization of the Muslim regimes and the promotion of the culture of human rights.In the same way, meetings with different peaceful opposition movements leaders would be a good sign of this commitment. SO, WELCOME TO THE OBAMAs in the Muslim World!